Jaguar Unveils Mobile Energy-Storage Unit Utilizing Range Rover Batteries

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has collaborated with UK startup Allye Energy to produce a mobile energy storage unit, utilizing used batteries from plug-in hybrid Range Rover models, the two companies announced on Tuesday.

Termed the Allye MAX Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a single unit incorporates second-life batteries sourced from seven Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). This storage system has the capacity to store 270 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy, equivalent to powering a British home for nearly a month.

As per regulations from the European Union, automakers are increasingly required to focus on recycling materials in electric vehicle (EV) batteries and explore second-life applications for batteries, such as energy storage. The MAX BESS can charge up to nine Range Rover PHEVs simultaneously and can be recharged using a standard EV charger.

JLR highlighted that this storage unit has the potential to replace diesel generators, with the initial deployment planned for use by the automaker's engineering team to conduct tests on the new Range Rover Electric model set to launch later this year.

Reuben Chorley, JLR's director for sustainable industrial operations, emphasized the importance of second-life battery projects in advancing sustainability goals within the company. He stated, "Developing second-life battery projects like this is crucial if we want to make sustainability real in JLR."

Earlier in January, Synetiq, the UK's largest vehicle salvage company, announced its collaboration with Allye Energy to provide salvaged EV battery packs for use in energy storage units.

BS